The day begins with a Viking Fest 5K and Kids 1K Fun Run and also includes the fifth annual Día de los Muertos welding competition for high school and college-age welders

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas —Del Mar College (DMC) will highlight workforce readiness and career pathways during its third annual Viking Fest on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Windward Campus.

The College hosts its third annual Viking Fest on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Windward Campus. The family-friendly event will showcase the people, programs and industry partnerships that help drive workforce development across the Coastal Bend while providing visitors opportunities to explore educational and career pathways in high-demand fields.

Viking Fest will feature vendors, industry partners, Del Mar College programs, community organizations and hands-on experiences designed to connect attendees with career and technical education opportunities.

Visitors can also enjoy food trucks, participate in the Viking 5K Run/Walk and Kids 1K Run, and take part in the event’s Viking costume contest.

This year's event will prominently highlight industrial trades and technical careers that support the region’s workforce needs, including opportunities to learn more about fields such as welding, pipefitting and other skilled trades, according to Jason Houlihan, DMC executive director of marketing and events.

Attendees will have the chance to engage with employers and industry representatives who help shape the Coastal Bend’s economic future.

“We're really trying to make this a family-friendly event that offers something for everyone, whether they're interested in a career in the trades, exploring educational opportunities, or simply spending a Saturday with us," said Houlihan. “The bigger story this year is that Viking Fest is becoming much more than a campus festival. It’s an opportunity for the community to see the direct connections between Del Mar College, our regional employers, and the high-demand careers available right here in South Texas.”

Among the featured attractions will be Tesla, the event’s presenting sponsor, which plans to bring its Cybertruck to campus, as well as the Port of Corpus Christi's Learning Lab. These exhibits will offer attendees a closer look at the industries, technology and workforce opportunities helping shape the region.

Viking Fest will also include the Fifth Annual Día de los Muertos Welding Competition, which attracts high school and college-age welders from across South Texas.

The competition awards scholarships, welding equipment and other prizes. More than 350 participants have already registered for the 2026 competition.

Viking Fest is free to attend, and registration for the Viking 5K Run/Walk and Kids 1K Run is also free. The event will be held at Del Mar College's Windward Campus, located at 4101 Old Brownsville Road in Corpus Christi. Additional information is available at Del Mar College Viking Fest.

Support for Viking Fest 2026 includes Tesla as Presenting Sponsor; H-E-B, CHRISTUS Spohn Medical Center and RALLY Credit Union as Viking Champion Sponsors; and ArcelorMittal, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, Pepsi, Bay Ltd. and Schneider Electric as Friends of Viking Fest.

Event officially kick-starts Viking Fest 2026 scheduled on Windward Campus; Viking Fest 5K also includes Kids 1K Fun Run and first 400 registered participants receiving a participation medal

Are you ready to trot across Del Mar College’s Windward Campus when the Viking Horn sounds? The Second Annual Viking 5K Run/Walk will be here before you know it, so be sure to register now and secure your spot on the starting line.

The Viking 5K is a signature event during Viking Fest, which is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Windward Campus located at 4101 Old Brownsville Rd. in Corpus Christi (78405). The Viking 5K is one of the biggest free community races in the Coastal Bend and serves as the official kickoff to DMC’s Third Annual Viking Fest, which runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The event starts with the Kids 1K Fun Run beginning at 9 a.m. rain or shine, followed by the Viking 5K Run/Walk at 9:15 a.m. Last year, more than 1,000 runners and walkers participated, and organizers are excited to bring the Viking 5K back even bigger in 2026. Whether chasing a personal best, walking with friends or bringing the entire family, register now to secure your spot on the starting line.

Participants will receive an exclusive Viking 5K Del Mar College thermal cup, which will be awarded at the end of the race, and the first 400 registered participants will receive a participation medal. Runners, walkers and other event completers of all ages and experience levels are welcome to participate at their own pace. Organizers are holding a best male and female Viking costume competition (see details and guidelines).

“We’re excited to bring back the Viking 5K for a second year and continue building a tradition that brings our students, employees, and the broader Coastal Bend community together,” said Jason Houlihan, Del Mar College executive director of marketing & events. “Whether you’re an experienced runner, a casual walker or a family looking for a fun morning, there’s something for everyone. It’s a great way to kick off Viking Fest, enjoy our Windward Campus and celebrate the community that makes Del Mar College special.”

After the race, participants are encouraged to stick around for one of Del Mar College’s biggest community celebrations of the year, Viking Fest, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring the Fifth Annual Día de los Muertos Welding Competition.

Enjoy food trucks and local vendors, a massive industrial and workforce showcase, hands-on career and program demonstrations and interactive displays featuring high-demand careers, along with opportunities to explore Del Mar College programs that prepare students for Coastal Bend careers and beyond.

More details about Viking Fest are coming soon, but for now, register and get your running or walking shoes ready for the 2026 Viking 5K Run/Walk.

Questions? For more details and event coordination, contact Executive Director of Marketing & Events Jason Houlihan at jhouliha@delmar.edu or 361-698-6528.

KEY INFO:

• Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Viking 2026 5K Run/Walk.

• SAVE THE DATE: Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Third Annual Viking Fest at Del Mar College.

• Location: Del Mar College Windward Campus, 4101 Old Brownsville Rd. (78405), get online directions and a campus map.

• Cost: Free registration for the 5K, free admission for Viking Fest, with food and vendor items available for purchase. Registration for the 5K is available at events.delmar.edu/event/delmar.events.1839865.

• Questions? For more details and event coordination, contact Executive Director of Marketing & Events Jason Houlihan at jhouliha@delmar.edu or 361-698-6528. Or visit the Viking Fest 2026 website at delmar.edu/vikingfest/.